winkn.1
/wɪŋk/, U.S. /wɪŋk/ 1.
a. A closing of the eyes for sleep; a (short) spell of sleep, a nap. rare except as in 1b, 1c.In Shakespeare in phrases referring to death.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > sleep > [noun] > an instance or period of > short or light
sloomOE
wink1362
napa1400
slumber1488
dog's sleep1560
dogsleep1674
(not) a wink of sleep1682
doze1731
snooze1793
snatch1820
forty winks1828
eyeful1860
snoose1912
caulk1917
zizz1941
1362 W. Langland Piers Plowman A. v. 3 Þenne Wakede I of my wink.
c1450 Cov. Myst. (Shaks. Soc.) 343 Here I Aske To go to taske A wynke.
c1480 (a1400) St. Machor 1204 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) II. 35 Till þai þe seruice all had mad, þat to sic deide men suld parteyne, or ony wink come in þar eyne.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) ii. i. 290 Whiles you doing thus, To the perpetuall winke for aye might put This ancient morsell. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Winter's Tale (1623) i. ii. 319 Thou..might'st be-spice a Cup, To giue mine Enemy a lasting Winke . View more context for this quotation
1870 A. D. T. Whitney We Girls vi. 92 ‘What is it, dear?’ asked Mrs. Hobart, rousing from a little arm-chair wink.
b. (not) to sleep a or one wink, (not) a wink of sleep, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > state of being awake > be or remain awake [verb (intransitive)] > be wakeful or sleepless
(not) to sleep a or one wink1303
to close an eye1580
vigilate1774
not to bat an eye, eyelid1889
the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > sleep > [noun] > an instance or period of > short or light
sloomOE
wink1362
napa1400
slumber1488
dog's sleep1560
dogsleep1674
(not) a wink of sleep1682
doze1731
snooze1793
snatch1820
forty winks1828
eyeful1860
snoose1912
caulk1917
zizz1941
1303 R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne 9146 Þey..Ne mete ete, ne drank drynke, Ne slepte onely a-lepy wynke.
c1325 Metr. Hom. 79 That might he nouther ete ne drink, Ne have night rest, ne slepe no wynk.
?1507 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 89 This night I myght not sleip a wink.
1513 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid iv. x. 15 For neuir mair may scho sleip a wynk.
1542 N. Udall tr. Erasmus Apophthegmes f. 316 (margin) Reuilus a vigilaunte consul, for ne neuer slept wynke in his consulship.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Cymbeline (1623) iii. iv. 100 Since I receiu'd command to do this businesse, I haue not slept one winke. View more context for this quotation
1682 N. O. tr. N. Boileau-Despréaux Lutrin ii. 22 My aking head can get no wink of Sleep!
1740 S. Richardson Pamela II. 167 I will go to-bed; but not one Wink, I fear, shall I get this Night.
1841 C. Dickens Old Curiosity Shop i. v. 104 Whether Mr. Quilp took any sleep by snatches of a few winks at a time.
1883 R. Broughton Belinda I. i. ix. 157 He has slept no wink all night.
1891 R. Kipling Light that Failed xiii. 246 I can't sleep a wink with you at the window.
c. forty winks: a very brief sleep, a short nap. colloquial.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > sleep > [noun] > an instance or period of > short or light
sloomOE
wink1362
napa1400
slumber1488
dog's sleep1560
dogsleep1674
(not) a wink of sleep1682
doze1731
snooze1793
snatch1820
forty winks1828
eyeful1860
snoose1912
caulk1917
zizz1941
1828 P. Egan Finish Tom & Jerry (1871) iii. 87 The uncommonly big gentleman, told out, taking forty winks.
1851 Westm. & Foreign Q. Rev. July 326 His quiet ‘forty winks’ after dinner.
1890 J. Hatton By Order of Czar ii. iv ‘Well, I declare, Dolly, you are going to sleep!’ ‘I am very tired; only forty winks. Is there time?’
2.
a. A glance or significant movement of the eye (often accompanied by a nod) expressing command, assent, invitation, or the like. Obsolete except in the proverb a nod's as good as a wink to a blind horse (see also nod n.1 1), and phr. to tip, give, or get the wink (now apprehended as sense 5).
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > a look or glance > [noun] > significant look
wink1541
society > communication > indication > gesturing or gesture > other gestures > [noun] > significant glance
wink1541
cock1819
1541 T. Elyot Image of Gouernance xxxviii. f. 94 Of a mayster sturdy and fierce, a lyttell wynke to his seruant is a fearefull commaundement.
1583 B. Melbancke Philotimus (new ed.) sig. Sj v I am not so blind, that thou canst make me beleue with a winke, it is midnight at noone day.
1604 W. Shakespeare Hamlet iv. v. 11 Her wincks, and nods, and gestures yeeld them,..would make one thinke there might be thought. View more context for this quotation
1605 J. Sylvester tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Deuine Weekes & Wks. i. v. 146 Thou (eternall Father) at whose winke The wrathfull Oceans swelling pride doth sinke.
1622 Ballad against Evil Women (Reidpeth) in J. Small Poems W. Dunbar (1893) 267 Ȝitt women sould..Thair vertewis all mak of na availlis, Be subtill winkis [1568 Bann. wrinkis, a1586 Maitl. wrynkis], and thair desaitfull talis.
a1631 J. Donne Sunne Rising in Poems 13 Thy beames, so reverend and strong Why shouldst thou thinke? I could eclipse and cloud them with a winke.
1676 G. Etherege Man of Mode i. i. 11 I only tip him the wink, he knows an Alehouse from a Hovil.
1710 S. Palmer Moral Ess. Prov. 100 A nod and a wink are very often treacherous and false.
1757 tr. J. G. Keyssler Trav. III. 142 At last..he gave him the wink, and whispered him.
1769 H. Brooke Fool of Quality IV. xvii. 217 Harry, upon a wink, stepped out.
a1774 O. Goldsmith tr. P. Scarron Comic Romance (1775) III. x. 262 The surgeon, who had previously got the wink, confined him to his bed.
1809 B. H. Malkin tr. A. R. Le Sage Adventures Gil Blas II. iv. v. 115 Don Felix thinks a wink as good as a nod.
1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian iv, in Tales of my Landlord 2nd Ser. II. 85 A wink's as gude as a nod to a blind horse.
1832 H. Martineau For Each & All v. 69 On this, the wink went round, and the neighbours dropped off.
1872 C. Gibbon For King xvii He gave me the wink that the lady was a friend of his.
b. A glance or glimpse. (Cf. blink n.2 2.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > a look or glance > [noun]
eie wurpc950
laitc1175
looka1200
lecha1250
sightc1275
insighta1375
blushc1390
castc1400
glentc1400
blenkc1440
regardc1450
ray1531
view1546
beam of sight1579
eye-beam1583
eyewink1591
blink1594
aspecta1616
benda1616
eyeshot1615
eye-casta1669
twire1676
ken1736
Magdalene-look1752
glimmering1759
deek1833
wink1847
deck1853
vision1855
pipe1865
skeg1876
dekko1894
screw1904
slant1911
gander1914
squiz1916
butcher's hook1934
butcher's1936
gawk1940
bo-peep1941
nose1976
a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) ii. ii. 70 They could neuer get an eye-winke of her. View more context for this quotation
1818 J. Keats Endymion iv. 172 Before young Bacchus' eye-wink turning pale.]
1847 C. Dickens Dombey & Son (1848) xii. 115 A trifle of orthography, a glance at ancient history, a wink or two at modern ditto.
1869 R. Browning Ring & Bk. IV. x. 41 'Twixt her placid eyewinks.]
3. transferred.
a. A moment of time, as being that occupied by a glance of the eyes; phr. in a wink ( †with or at a wink), in a trice. (Cf. eyewink n. 3.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > duration > shortness or brevity in time > [noun] > moment or instant
hand-whileOE
prinkOE
start-while?c1225
twinkling1303
rese?c1335
prick1340
momenta1382
pointa1382
minutea1393
instant1398
braida1400
siquarea1400
twink14..
whip?c1450
movement1490
punct1513
pissing whilea1556
trice1579
turning of a hand1579
wink1585
twinklec1592
semiquaver1602
punto1616
punctilio of time1620
punctum1620
breathing1625
instance1631
tantillation1651
rapc1700
crack1725
turning of a straw1755
pig's whisper1780
jiffy1785
less than no time1788
jiff1797
blinka1813
gliffy1820
handclap1822
glimpsea1824
eyewink1836
thought1836
eye-blink1838
semibreve1845
pop1847
two shakes of a lamb's taila1855
pig's whistle1859
time point1867
New York minute1870
tick1879
mo?1896
second1897
styme1897
split-second1912
split minute1931
no-time1942
sec.1956
the world > time > duration > shortness or brevity in time > shortness in time [phrase] > instantaneously
as thou turnest thine handc1225
at a brusha1400
at one (also a) bruntc1450
with a whisk1487
with a whip Sir John1550
in the turn (also turning) of a hand1564
with or at a wink1585
at a blowa1616
in a wink1693
at a stroke1709
in or wi' a whid1719
in the trip of a minute1728
with a thrash1870
the twinkling of a bedpost1871
in a whisk1900
in jig-time1916
1585 A. Montgomerie Sonn. xiii. 4 Bright Apollo..Quhais glorious glance ȝit stoutly skaillis the skyis, Quhen with a wink we wonder vhair they war.
1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1895) II. 206 How..radie to do the king pleisour, at a wink quhen he wald charge.
1631 Earl of Manchester Contemplatio Mortis 22 Man is onely a winke of life.
1658 J. Robinson Endoxa 33 The rest..were coexisting with their first Being; or, upon the least Wink of Opportunity, prest to be drawn forth.
1693 T. Southerne Maids Last Prayer iii. ii The company will be here in a wink, as a body may say.
1790 D. Morison Poems 7 Then aff a' wallop in a wink.
1826 T. Hood I Remember 5 He [sc. the sun] never came a wink too soon.
1859 Ld. Tennyson Vivien in Idylls of King 138 For in a wink the false love turns to hate.
1893 R. L. Stevenson Catriona xxx. 362 The next wink of time their blades clashed together.
b. (not) a wink: (not) the slightest amount; esp. in not to see a wink.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > smallness of quantity, amount, or degree > small of quantity, amount, or degree [phrase] > in the least or the slightest degree
the leastc1400
any whit1526
one whit1526
(not) a wink1596
in the least1608
in the smallesta1616
in the leastwise1676
tint1886
1596 T. Nashe Haue with you to Saffron-Walden sig. S3 Hath he..exprest in his countenaunce, the least wincke of dislike of them?
a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) ii. i. 247 Ambition cannot pierce a winke beyond. View more context for this quotation
1621 J. Molle tr. P. Camerarius Liuing Libr. ii. xiii. 117 He was shut into a hole where he saw not a whinke.
1706 R. Estcourt Fair Example v. i Whims. Look up, I say... Sym... In Sincerity, Sir, I can't see a Wink.
1841 W. M. Thackeray Great Hoggarty Diamond v At least in my bed-room..I could not see a wink.
c. In Work Study, a unit of time equivalent to one two-thousandth of a minute. Also in combinations, as wink-counter. Originally U.S.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > work > times or periods of work > [noun] > spell of work or duty
trick1669
time1696
stem1778
turn1793
tour of duty1800
spell1804
shift1809
steek1889
go-in1890
steek1895
stag1931
wink1937
1937 R. M. Barnes Motion & Time Study ix. 72 There are 100 equal divisions on the dial of the clock; therefore, time is indicated directly in 1/2000 of a minute by the large hand. This time interval of 1/2000 of a minute was called a ‘wink’ by Gilbreth.
1946 R. L. Morrow Time Study & Motion Econ. ix. 90 The wink-counter..is a small motor driven device, originated by Professor David B. Porter..to be used for both motion and time studies. In appearance it resembles a ‘speedometer’.
1961 Engineering 15 Sept. 352/1 A very early type of micromotion filming was used by the Gilbreths in the early days of motion study, and the unit of time which they employed, a two thousandth of a minute or a ‘wink’, is still often used for detailed motion analysis.
4. A nictitation of the eyelid; a blink.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > external parts of body > head > face > eye > [noun] > movements of eye > winking or blinking
prinkOE
twinklinga1300
blenching1393
twink14..
blenking?a1505
twinking1519
twinkle1548
connivance1596
winka1616
nictation1623
shailing1653
nictitation1794
blinking1871
blink1924
bat1932
saccade1953
a1616 W. Shakespeare Winter's Tale (1623) v. ii. 109 Euery winke of an Eye, some new Grace will be borne. View more context for this quotation
1825 W. Scott Talisman iv, in Tales Crusaders IV. 52 Mark me the smallest twitch of the features, or wink of the eye-lid.
1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) xi. 94 Sir Giles Wapshot had a particularly noisy manner of imbibing his soup, and her ladyship a wink of the left eye.
5. An act of winking (see wink v.1 8).
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > gesturing or gesture > other gestures > [noun] > winking > a wink
twink14..
twinkle1548
eyewink1761
wink1836
1836 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers (1837) ix. 89 Jingle..then..added, with a knowing wink, and a jerk of the thumb towards the interior of the chaise [etc.].
1837 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers lv. 599 He had been much struck with Mary's appearance, having, in fact, bestowed several very unfatherly winks upon her, already.
1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) xiv. 123 ‘That is, if you're not on duty to that pretty Miss Sedley,’ Crawley said, with a knowing wink.
1851 D. Jerrold St. Giles & St. James (new ed.) vii, in Writings I. 60 [He] gave a saucy wink to the servant, and bounded..up stairs.
1891 Ld. Rosebery Pitt xiii. 227 Facts of this kind can of course be always dismissed by a knowing wink or a sarcastic smile.
Compounds
attributive and in other combinations.
ΚΠ
1708 C. Cibber Lady's Last Stake i. 9 Tea!.. Heart-opening, Wink-tipping Cordial.
1775 S. J. Pratt Liberal Opinions (1783) III. lxxiv. 51 Upon mention of the wink money, he was driving off as fast as he could.
1902 ‘G. F. Monkshood’ & G. Gamble R. Kipling (ed. 3) 191 One of Mr. Kipling's jaunty,..wink~tipping sketches.
1910 T. Hardy Dynasts (rev. ed.) i. vi. i. 110 Should issues stand at pause But for a wink-while.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1926; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
winkn.2
/wɪŋk/, U.S. /wɪŋk/ English regional (south-western).
= winch n.1
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > lifting or hoisting equipment > [noun] > winch or capstan
windas1293
wind1399
windlassc1400
fern1546
stow?1549
capstock1551
winch1577
draw-beam1585
wind-beam1585
winder1585
capstring1609
crab1627
guindall1628
gin1632
Jack1686
screw engine1688
twirl1688
moulineta1706
jack roll1708
wind-lifta1734
whim1738
stowce1747
whim-engine1759
macaroni gin1789
whimsy1789
winze1839
jack roller1843
wink1847
winding engine1858
fusee-windlass1874
come-along1891
1847 J. O. Halliwell Dict. Archaic & Provinc. Words II Wink..(2) A winch, or crank. West.
1873 W. P. Williams & W. A. Jones Gloss. Somersetshire Wink, an excavated or sunken well.
1878 D. Kemp Man. Yacht & Boat Sailing 380 Wink, a west country term for a kind of winch used in the bow of a boat by fishermen to raise the anchor.
1888 F. T. Elworthy W. Somerset Word-bk. Wink, a well from which the water is drawn by a winch, chain, and bucket.
1919 R. P. Chope Some Old Farm Implem. 23 The apparatus for spinning rope was known as a wink (winch) or spinner.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1926; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
winkn.3
/wɪŋk/, U.S. /wɪŋk/ slang.
= winkle n. 1.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > animals for food > seafood > [noun] > shell-fish or mollusc > whelk, winkle, or cockle
whelkc725
cockOE
cockle1311
winkle1585
cuckolda1757
wink1851
the world > animals > invertebrates > subkingdom Metazoa > grade Triploblastica or Coelomata > class Gastropoda > [noun] > superorder Branchifera > order Prosobranchiata > section Holostomata > family Littorinidae > member of genus Littorina (periwinkle)
periwinkle1530
winkle1585
wrinkle1589
pin-patch1694
wink1851
Littorina1857
1851 H. Mayhew London Labour I. 76/1 The ‘wink’ men, as these periwinkle sellers are called.
1851 H. Mayhew London Labour I. 479/2 Salt (or fresh) herrings, winks, or shrimps.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1926; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
winkn.4
/wɪŋk/, U.S. /wɪŋk/ Originally U.S.
= tiddlywink n. 2c.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > table game > tiddlywinks, etc. > [noun] > counter
squails1862
wink1890
tiddlywink1891
1890 Game of Tiddledy Winks (McLoughlin Bros., New York) 1 Its great interest and success lies in the novel feature of jumping the Winks into the Wink-pot.
1957 Times 17 Dec. 9/4 Tiddlywinks does not yet qualify for a ‘blue’, or even half a one, but it is nice to know that the club has a tie, dark blue with a blue cup and a wink rampant.
1979 F. R. Shapiro Encycl. Tiddlywinks 8 The Silver Wink, donated by Prince Philip, is awarded to the winner of an annual elimination tournament for universities.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1926; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
winkv.1
/wɪŋk/, U.S. /wɪŋk/ a. intransitive. To close one's eyes. (Also in figurative context: cf. 5, 6) Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > gesturing or gesture > other gestures > [verb (intransitive)] > give significant glance
winkc897
to tip the (or a) wink1676
to cock one's (also an) eye1697
the world > life > the body > external parts of body > head > face > eye > [verb (intransitive)] > move eyes > close eyes
winkc897
c897 K. Ælfred tr. Gregory Pastoral Care xxxix. 287 Se stæpð forð mid ðam fotum & wincaþ mid ðæm eagum [L. oculos claudit].
c1000 Ælfric Gram. (Z.) xxvi. 156 Ic wincige, conniueo.
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 213 Hwen þe heorte draȝeð to hire unlust. as þing þe were amaset & feð on asto winken to lete þefeont iwurðen.
c1374 G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde iii. 1537 Al for nought he may wel lygge and wynke But slep ne may þere in his herte synke.
c1386 G. Chaucer Nun's Priest's Tale 486 He wolde so peyne hym, that with bothe hise eyen He moste wynke, so loude he wolde cryen.
c1386 G. Chaucer Nun's Priest's Tale 611 For he that wynketh whan he sholde see, Al wilfully god lat him neuere thee.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 54 For ofte, who that hiede toke, Betre is to winke than to loke.
a1500 R. Henryson tr. Æsop Fables: Two Mice l. 333 in Poems (1981) 17 Quhylis wald he lat hir rin vnder the stra; Quhylis wald he wink, and play with hir buk heid.
c1500 in T. Wright & J. O. Halliwell Reliquiæ Antiquæ (1845) I. 289 Sore me for-thinked, that I so moche wynked, For had I never more nede than nowe for to loke.
a1542 T. Wyatt Coll. Poems (1969) cxxxvii. 17 For cawse your selff dothe winke, Ye iuge all other blynde.
1555 J. Heywood Two Hundred Epigrammes with Thyrde sig. Diiiv Smaule holes kepe smaule myse from wyly wynkyng cats.
1584 J. Lyly Alexander, Campaspe, & Diogenes v. iv. sig. Fv Though I winke, I sleepe not.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Cymbeline (1623) v. v. 280 There are none want eyes, to direct them the way I am going, but such as winke, and will not vse them. View more context for this quotation
1621 in A. J. Kempe Losely MSS (1836) 454 When you see ym[sc. the nuns] they must winke and not speake to you.
a1631 J. Donne Serm. (1958) IX. 148 That man that is blinde, or that will winke, shall see no more sunne upon S. Barnabies day, then upon S. Lucies.
1633 G. Herbert Temple: Sacred Poems 26 Good cable, to enforce and draw, And be thy law, While thou didst wink and wouldst not see.
1664 J. Tillotson Wisdom of being Religious 44 Men are not blind, but they wink, and shut their eyes; they can understand, and will not.
1700 S. L. tr. C. Schweitzer Relation Voy. in tr. C. Frick & C. Schweitzer Relation Two Voy. E.-Indies 236 I open'd my Eyes..and [they] said, it was high time for me to open 'em; for if I had winck'd but a little longer, over I had gone.
1785 W. Cowper Tirocinium in Task 255 To follow foolish precedents, and wink With both our eyes, is easier than to think. View more context for this quotation
1816 W. Scott Black Dwarf v, in Tales of my Landlord 1st Ser. I. 109 I thought I saw him still, though I winked as close as ever I could.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > external parts of body > head > face > eye > [verb (intransitive)] > move eyes > close eyes > of eyes
wink1340
to fall togethera1400
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > become closed or shut [verb (intransitive)]
speara1300
closec1385
inclusea1450
wink1642
upclose1852
1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience 4970 In als short whyle als hert may thynk, Or mans eghe may open or wynk.
1576 G. Gascoigne Steele Glas 683 That one eye winks, as though it were but blynd.
1577 J. Grange Golden Aphroditis sig. Iij Yet coulde he not perswade himselfe whether he dreamed..(although he knew of a certentie his eyes winked not).
1610 Mucedorus (new ed.) sig. D3v The christall eye of Heauen shall not thrise wincke,..Till we salute the Aragonian King.
1642 H. More Ψυχωδια Platonica sig. Fv While the evening keen With sharper aire doth make his pores to wink.
1649 W. Davenant Love & Honour iii. iv. 44 Where shadows vanish when the world's eye wincks Behind a cloud.
1898 G. Meredith Odes French Hist. 69 The sister Hours..Are gone on flow with the day that winked, With the night that spanned at golden gates.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > external parts of body > head > face > eye > [verb (intransitive)] > move eyes > close eyes > while drinking
wink1548
1548 T. Cooper Bibliotheca Eliotæ (rev. ed.) Amystis, a..drynke, which the Thracians vsed to drynke vp at one draughte, wynkyng.
1568 Wyf of Auchtirmwchty 76 in W. T. Ritchie Bannatyne MS (1928) II. 322 Ay scho winkit and scho drank.
1692 R. Bentley Boyle Lect. ii. 37 And yet these same cautious and quick-sighted Gentlemen can wink and swallow down this sottish Opinion about Percipient Atoms.
2.
a. To open and shut one's eyes momentarily and involuntarily; to blink, nictitate.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > external parts of body > head > face > eye > [verb (intransitive)] > move eyes > wink or blink
twinklea1300
prinkc1330
winka1400
twinkc1400
wapper1575
pimper1600
twire1601
hoodwink1641
connive1712
nictate1755
bat1838
blink1858
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 341 All his comament was don, Suiftliker þen hee may wink.
c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 530/1 Wynkyn, idem quod twynkelyn.
a1450 Knt. de la Tour xii She loked small and wynked ofte,..euer beting her eyelyddes togedre.
a1500 Lancelot of Laik (1870) 1058 When that he felt the vatter that vas cold, He wonk, and gan about hyme to behold.
1582 R. Stanyhurst tr. Virgil First Foure Bookes Æneis iv. 75 At my tears showring dyd he sigh? dyd he winck with his eyelyd?
1649 Bp. J. Taylor Great Exemplar ii. Disc. ix. 122 It is impossible to prevent them..any more than we can refuse to winke with our eye when a sudden blow is offered at it.
1703 London Gaz. No. 3892/4 Robert Stephens,..Stammering Speech, winks on the left Eye.
a1822 P. B. Shelley Cyclops in Posthumous Poems (1824) 357 Dare not to breathe, Or spit, or e'en wink, lest ye wake the monster.
1842 C. Dickens Amer. Notes I. iii. 61 The white wooden houses (so white that it makes one wink to look at them).
1853 C. Dickens Bleak House xxi. 211 He..adjusts his skull cap with such a rub, that the old man winks with both eyes for a minute afterwards.
1916 Q. Rev. July 227 When there is a loud report close at hand we instinctively wink.
b. Said of the eyes or eyelids: To blink. Also occasionally of other things: To open and shut quickly. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > condition of being open or not closed > become open [verb (intransitive)] > open and shut quickly
wink1661
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > become closed or shut [verb (intransitive)] > open and shut quickly
wink1661
the world > life > the body > external parts of body > head > face > eye > [verb (intransitive)] > move eyes > wink or blink > of eyes or eyelids
wink1661
nictitate1822
snap1870
1661 R. Lovell Πανζωορυκτολογια, sive Panzoologicomineralogia Isagoge sig. B3 Amongst Birds..The eyes, are as those of other creatures,..but they winke, a membrane passing from the angle.
1668 N. Culpeper & A. Cole tr. T. Bartholin Anat. (new ed.) ii. vii. 111 The trebble~pointed valves do not only wink, but they are close shut by the blood distending the Heart.
1723 J. Clarke tr. Rohault's Syst. Nat. Philos. I. i. xxxv. 280 When we look upon a lighted Candle at a little Distance with our Eyes winking.
1815 W. Scott Lord of Isles vi. xv. 241 The eye-lid scarce had time to wink.
1905 A. T. Sheppard Red Cravat i. ii. 24 The eyes winked-to again and closed for ever.
c. Of a light, a burning or glowing object, etc.: To emit quick intermittent flashes; to twinkle. (Now associated with sense 8.) Also with adverbs: to go out or off suddenly; to come on suddenly.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > light emitted in particular manner > [verb (intransitive)] > flash
lash13..
gliffa1400
flashc1540
wink1605
flush1646
bicker1667
outflasha1856
strobe1977
1605 J. Sylvester tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Deuine Weekes & Wks. i. ii. 53 Like as a coale that winck't [Fr. qui dort] On a sticks end, and seemed quite extinct.
a1634 W. Austin Devotionis Augustinianæ Flamma (1635) 81 [The Light of Nature] is no Starre indeed, but a Candle: and..it winkes in the Socket too.
1707 E. Smith Phædra & Hippolytus i. i. 5 Feed with new Oil the wasting Lamp of Life, That winks and trembles, now, just now expiring.
1802 W. Wordsworth Fair Star of Evening in Sonn. to Liberty Thou..shouldst wink, Bright Star! with laughter on her banners.
1820 J. Keats Ode to Nightingale in Lamia & Other Poems 108 A beaker..With beaded bubbles winking at the brim.
1848 W. M. Thackeray Lett. Nov. The candles are just winking out.
1851 G. Meredith Love in Valley xvii A rill where on sand the minnows wink.
1876 M. E. Braddon Joshua Haggard's Daughter II. i. 15 The polished grate winking and twinkling in the red light from a neat little fire.
1883 T. Hardy Three Strangers in Longman's Mag. Mar. 574 Beyond all this winked a few bleared lamplights through the beating drops.
1930 W. Faulkner As I lay Dying 244 He locks the door. Dewey Dell is inside. Then the light winks out.
1972 Sci. Amer. Jan. 108/3 An observer who is a few miles away but within the shadow sees the star wink off and five minutes later reappear slightly west of the moon.
1979 Tucson (Arizona) Citizen 20 Sept. 7 b/6 (heading) ‘Buck Rogers’ no supernova, but it won't wink out, either.
1982 Washington Post 21 Mar. 3/2 Bleuzinski perched on the pool table, leaned forward and looked directly into the camera. The red light winked on.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > sleep > [verb (intransitive)] > for a short time or lightly
napeOE
slumberc1220
sloomc1275
wink1412
to take (also catch, have, steal, etc.) a (also one's) napa1425
to sleep a wink1542
drowse1598
jouka1652
doze1693
snooze1789
snoozle1831
zizz1942
the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > sleep > drowsiness > be or become drowsy [verb (intransitive)]
nodc1425
dow1502
dream1548
drowse1598
winka1616
doze1693
1412–20 J. Lydgate tr. Hist. Troy iv. 2384 Ofte he waketh whan he sholde winke.
c1450 How Wise Man tauȝt Sonne (Lamb. 853) in Babees Bk. (2002) i. 50 And go to bedde bi tyme, & wynke.
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) vii. 182 The kyng than vynkit a litill we.
c1508 Want of Wyse Men (Chepman & Myllar) in Poems R. Henryson (1908) III. 170 For warldly wyn sik walkis, quhen wysar wynkis.
1534 Prymer in Eng. sig. N.iijv Lo, neyther wyll he sleape, nor yet ones wynke: that keapeth Israell.
?1553 Respublica (1952) iv. iv. 39 Repose yourselfe madame a while and winke.
1602 W. Fulbecke Parallele or Conf. Law i. 19 Yes, our law in this case hath not either slumbred or winked.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) ii. i. 221 Thou let'st thy fortune sleepe: die rather: wink'st Whiles thou art waking. View more context for this quotation
1616 T. Scot Philomythie sig. A4v When others soundly sleep, he must but winke.
1649 J. Taylor Wandering 8 Wearinesse..began to inforce sleep upon me, so that..I began to winke.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > direction > point or lie in a direction [verb (intransitive)] > aim > by closing one eye
winkc1340
the world > life > the body > external parts of body > head > face > eye > [verb (intransitive)] > move eyes > close eyes > one eye
winkc1340
c1340 Nominale (Skeat) 180 Homme doile clune, M[an] with ee wynkyth.
c1460 Frere & Boye (Ritson) 89 Yf thou shote and wynke, The prycke thow shalt hytte.
a1500 R. Henryson tr. Æsop Fables: Trial of Fox l. 967 in Poems (1981) 40 His hude he drew far doun attoure his ene, And winkand with ane eye furth he wend.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 782/2 He that wynketh with one eye and loketh with the tother, I wyll nat trust hym and he were my brother.
1538 T. Elyot Dict. Collimare, to wynke with one eye.
1594 T. Blundeville Exercises vii. xxii. f. 319 Mooue the Transame..vntill you may see with the one eye (winking with the other) the one end of the Transame to meete iust with the Centre..of the sunne.
1638 T. Herbert Some Yeares Trav. (rev. ed.) 20 The Arimaspi (who from wincking when they shoot are said to be Monoculi).
a1680 S. Butler Genuine Remains (1759) I. 205 As Men, that wink with one Eye, see more true, And take their Aim much better, than with two.
5.
a. To ‘shut one's eyes’ to something faulty, wrong, or improper; to be complaisant. (Now rare except as in 6.)
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > lack of subjection > permission > permit [verb (intransitive)] > tacitly
wink?a1500
to wink hard1620
connivea1652
a1500 R. Henryson tr. Æsop Fables: Cock & Fox l. 579 in Poems (1981) 26 I wes vnwyse that winkit at thy will.
1562 T. Cooper Answere Def. Truth f. 61v, in Apol. Priuate Masse Some learned and holy men for the time did winke and beare with suche thinges.
1633 G. Herbert Miserie in Temple xi And yet as though he knew it not, His knowledge winks and lets his humours reigne.
1781 W. Cowper Expostulation 256 Too just to wink, or speak the guilty clear.
1859 Ld. Tennyson Vivien in Idylls of King 134 Is he man at all, who knows and winks?
1861 C. Reade Cloister & Hearth xlvi Many is the time I have winked and wouldn't see too much.
b. to wink hard. Now rare or Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > lack of subjection > permission > permit [verb (intransitive)] > tacitly
wink?a1500
to wink hard1620
connivea1652
1620 F. Quarles Feast for Wormes iii. Med. iii. 38 Hard must he winke, that shuts his eyes from heau'n.
1790 R. Burns Poems & Songs (1968) 544 And aiblins when they winna stand the test, Wink hard, and say, ‘The folks hae done their best’.
1831 W. Scott Count Robert ii, in Tales of my Landlord 4th Ser. I. 71 The Emperor, who will rather wink hard than see disagreements.
1866 ‘G. Eliot’ Felix Holt I. ii. 57 Jermyn must be his [election-]agent; Harold must wink hard till he found himself safely returned.
6. † b. † (b) to wink against: = a (b), above. Obsolete.† c. transitive. = a (a), above. Obsolete. rare.
a. to wink at.† (c) To be complaisant with (an offending or contumacious person); to connive at the doings of.
(a) To ‘shut one's eyes to’ (an offence, fault, defect, impropriety, or irregularity); to connive at.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > lack of subjection > permission > permit [verb (transitive)] > tacitly permit
to wink at1537
pretermit1542
to wink on1546
wink1570
condone1962
1537 T. Cromwell in R. B. Merriman Life & Lett. T. Cromwell (1902) II. 108 Persons that..by..wynkyng at his preparacions..encoraged hym to be the bolder.
1541 T. Elyot Image of Gouernance xxxiii. f. 76v Ye secretely winkyng at the sayd faultes.
1644 J. Milton tr. M. Bucer Ivdgem. conc. Divorce 24 When as all kind of unchastity is tolerated, fornications and adulteries winkt at.
a1708 T. Ward England's Reformation (1710) i. 112 If I this saucyness in you, Shou'd seem to wink-at or allow.
1775 R. B. Sheridan Rivals iii. iii Suppose you were to wink at her corresponding with him for a little time.
1815 W. Scott Guy Mannering II. 228 You had the price of half a cargo for winking at our job.
1861 T. A. Trollope La Beata I. ix. 250 A very evident tendency..to wink at the shortcomings of their friends.
(b) To disregard, overlook, pass unnoticed (a fact or occurrence). Now rare or Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > inattention > ignoring, disregard > ignore, disregard [verb (transitive)] > allow to pass unnoticed
to look through ——OE
to let (something) overpassa1375
overpassa1382
unseea1395
forgoa1400
balkc1440
dissimulea1450
pass?c1475
dissemblea1500
dissimulatea1533
to wink at1535
nod1607
connive1641
beholdc1650
to wink against1653
to shut one's eyes to (also against, on)a1711
blink1742
1535 G. Joye Apol. Tindale sig. D.viiiv He stretched forth his penne agenst me as farre as he dirst,..at the whiche chaleng I winked.
1568 Bible (Bishops') Acts xvii. 30 And the tyme of this ignoraunce God wyncked at.
a1656 Bp. J. Hall Shaking of Olive-tree (1660) ii. 371 We do willingly wink at the rest of the differences of like nature.
1691 Weesils Postscr. 13 Some, who,..either wink at, or absolutely forget her admirable, tho plain Principles.
1848 R. H. Schomburgk Ralegh's Discov. Guiana (1848) 172 It is..evident that they winked at consequences which they must have foreseen.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > lack of subjection > permission > permit [verb (transitive)] > tacitly permit > an offending person
to wink at1567
connivea1616
1567 in J. H. Burton Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1877) 1st Ser. I. 516 Seing the saidis rebellis ourlukit and winkit at be sic as duellis maist ewest to thame.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) i. iv. 52 Let not Light see my black and deepe desires: The Eye winke at the Hand. View more context for this quotation
1674 R. Head Jackson's Recantation sig. C2 My other two Comerades [in thieving] lay in an Inn where they..were winkt at by the Master of the House.
1702 D. Defoe Reformation of Manners 37 Thou art blam'd for Winking at a L--d Whose Rapes and Vices stand upon Record.
(a) to wink on, to wink upon: = a (a), above. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > lack of subjection > permission > permit [verb (transitive)] > tacitly permit
to wink at1537
pretermit1542
to wink on1546
wink1570
condone1962
1546 J. Heywood Dialogue Prouerbes Eng. Tongue i. x. sig. Ciii She can wynk on the yew, and wery the lam.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) ii. iv. 96 Vpon a homely obiect, Loue can winke. View more context for this quotation
1637 J. Milton Comus 14 You may as well..Bid me hope Danger will winke on opportunitie.
1824 W. S. Landor Imaginary Conversat. I. v. 59 [W. Noble] I acknowledge his weaknesses, and cannot wink upon his crimes.
1835 E. Bulwer-Lytton Rienzi I. i. v. 99 Justice must never wink upon great offenders.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > inattention > ignoring, disregard > ignore, disregard [verb (transitive)] > allow to pass unnoticed
to look through ——OE
to let (something) overpassa1375
overpassa1382
unseea1395
forgoa1400
balkc1440
dissimulea1450
pass?c1475
dissemblea1500
dissimulatea1533
to wink at1535
nod1607
connive1641
beholdc1650
to wink against1653
to shut one's eyes to (also against, on)a1711
blink1742
1653 H. More Antidote against Atheisme iii. xv. §4 He that denies this seems to me wilfully to wink against the light of Nature.
1741 I. Watts Improvem. Mind i. i. 20 Having asserted his former Opinions in a most confident Manner, he is tempted now to wink a little against the Truth.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > lack of subjection > permission > permit [verb (transitive)] > tacitly permit
to wink at1537
pretermit1542
to wink on1546
wink1570
condone1962
1570 in J. Cranstoun Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) I. xviii. 58 Trow ȝe..that God omnipotent Will wynk vnsene sic wickitnes and wrang?
1695 W. Kennett Parochial Antiq. ix. 301 This cheat was winkt in the times of ignorance.
a. intransitive. To give a significant glance, as of command, direction, or invitation: usually const. on, upon, later to, at. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > seeing or looking > see [verb (intransitive)] > look significantly
lookeOE
winkc1100
to tip the (or a) wink1676
c1100 in T. Wright & R. P. Wülcker Anglo-Saxon & Old Eng. Vocab. (1884) I. 118/15 Annicto uel annuto, ic wincie.
13.. Minor Poems of Vernon MS. xxxvii. 680 Whon þei comen togedere, eiþer on oþer wynkeþ.
1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. iv. 152 I seiȝe mede in the moot-halle on men of lawe wynke, And þei lawghyng lope to hire.
1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. xiii. 85 Pacience perceyued what I thouȝt, and wynked on me to be stille.
c1386 G. Chaucer Squire's Tale 340 The Norice of digestioun the sleepe Gan on hem wynke.
c1400 Gamelyn 453 Whan I wynke on the loke for to gone.
14.. K. Edw. & Shepherd in Hartshorne Metr. T. (1829) 79 Oure kyng on the schepherde wanke, Priuely with his eye.
a1529 J. Skelton Magnyfycence (?1530) sig. Fiiiv Syr remembre the tourne of fortunes whele That wantonly can wynke and wynche with her hele.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 782/2 He hath wynked upon me thrise, what so ever he meaneth.
1552 R. Huloet Abcedarium Anglico Latinum Wyncke at one, adnicto.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry V (1623) v. ii. 303 I will winke on her to consent, my Lord. View more context for this quotation
a1627 T. Middleton More Dissemblers besides Women iii. i, in 2 New Playes (1657) 33 Then cast she up Her pretty eye, and wink't.
1640 tr. G. S. du Verdier Love & Armes Greeke Princes ii. xxxiii. 124 She winked to him, whereupon he approaching with a great deal of respect unto the Queen [etc.].
1671 J. Caryll Sir Salomon ii. 30 Why could not you tell me on't? Single. I wincked, and wincked upon you, and did all that I could.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 57. ¶7 I wink'd upon my Friend to take his Leave.
1782 F. Burney Jrnl. 4 Nov. in Early Jrnls. & Lett. (2012) V. 149 Mrs. Thrale winked at him to give up the place.
1819 Sporting Mag. New Ser. 4 236 Davis winked to his friends that it was all right.
1821 W. T. Moncrieff Tom & Jerry ii. iii. 43 Winking at me not to take any notice.
1836 C. Dickens Sketches by Boz 1st Ser. I. 302 Ma having first nodded and winked to the governess to pull the girls' frocks a little more off their shoulders.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > information > action of informing > give information [verb (intransitive)] > special or private
winka1500
hark?a1600
whisper1850
tip1903
to pull a person's coat1946
a1500 (a1460) Towneley Plays (1994) I. xii. 116 Haue good ayll of Hely! Bewar now, I wynk, For and thou drynk drely, In thy poll wyll it synk.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > gesturing or gesture > make gestures [verb (intransitive)]
beckonc950
becka1300
wevec1325
playc1330
to make a countenancea1375
signc1520
token1535
gesture1542
starkle?1544
scrawl1582
gesticulate1609
annuate1623
to make a motion1719
wink1738
motion1788
1738 G. Smith Curious Relations II. 337 The Image of Sichæus which stands on the Altar, winks with its Hand.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > gesturing or gesture > other gestures > [verb (transitive)] > effect by significant glance
wink1633
1633 G. Herbert Home in Temple vii What is this woman~kinde, which I can winke Into a blacknesse and distaste?
1728 J. Swift Jrnl. Dublin Lady 6 They..Convey a Libel in a Frown, Or wink a reputation down.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > children's game > hiding or chasing game > [noun] > hide-and-seek
belly-blind?a1500
buck-hide?a1500
king-by-your-leave1572
all hid1598
wink all hid1609
hoopers hide1684
whoopers hide1684
whoop and hide1710
hide-and-seek1724
whoop1784
keek-bogle1791
hide-and-coop1850
billy-blind-
buck-hood-
1609 J. Davies Humours Heau'n on Earth ii. iv So that he did Driue them from dancing vnto Winck-all-hid.
8. intransitive. To close one eye momentarily, in a flippant or frivolous manner, esp. to convey intimate information or to express good-humoured interest.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > gesturing or gesture > other gestures > [verb (intransitive)] > wink
twinklea1300
prinkc1380
twinkc1400
wink1837
1837 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers xxxii. 346 Mr. Weller..winked so indefatigably..that Sam began to think he must have got the tic doloureux in his right eye-lid.
1839 C. Dickens Nicholas Nickleby xvi. 142 He winked towards Nicholas, with a degree of familiarity which he no doubt intended for a rather flattering compliment.
1886 R. Kipling Departm. Ditties (1888) 73 An' Jock he sniggered, an' Jock he smiled, An' ower the card~brim wunk.
1912 G. B. Shaw Pygmalion ii. 142 He winks at Higgins.
9.
a. transitive. To close (an eye, the eyes) for a moment, either voluntarily (sense 8) or involuntarily (sense 3).Colloquial phrase to wink the other eye, to treat what has been said with flippant disregard.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > gesturing or gesture > other gestures > [verb (transitive)] > wink the eye
wink1838
the world > life > the body > external parts of body > head > face > eye > [verb (transitive)] > move eyes > wink or blink
beatc1360
wag1574
twinkle1591
wink1838
snap1847
blink1858
1838 Buckstone Shocking Events 11 Hollo! hollo! he's winking his eye at my maid.
1846 G. P. R. James Step-mother III. liv. 8 I shouldn't have winked an eye all night if you hadn't been here.
1849 W. M. Thackeray Pendennis (1850) I. xxvi. 252 Lady Clavering, giving the young gentleman a delighted tap with her fan, winked her black eyes at him.
1872 Earl of Pembroke & G. H. Kingsley South Sea Bubbles viii. 228 There was my princess..winking winks that ought never to have been wunk.
1883 D. C. Murray Hearts xiv Lording's eyes tingled with tears. He winked both eyes together and blew his nose with violence.
1898 ‘H. S. Merriman’ Roden's Corner xxxii The lighthouse winked a glaring eye that seemed to stare over their heads far out to sea.
b. to wink away: to remove (tears) by blinking one's eyes.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > external parts of body > head > face > eye > [verb (transitive)] > move eyes > wink or blink > remove by blinking
to wink away1876
1876 R. Broughton Joan ii. i Joan, trying to smile, and to wink away the two large tears that have rushed to her eyes.
1892 H. M. Batson Dark I. v. 105 She winked away a few hot tears of shame that rose to her eyes.
c. To move swiftly, cause to flicker like an eyelid.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in specific manner > irregular movement or agitation > agitate [verb (transitive)] > cause to flutter or flicker
waverc1425
wear?a1505
flutter1621
flitter1864
wink1883
flicker1903
zither1930
1883 R. Bridges Prometheus 70 Like butterflies, that..upon a wall Winking their idle fans at pleasure sit.
1897 S. Crane Third Violet xxviii. 190 He told me you swore like a drill-sergeant if the model winked a finger.
d. To give (a signal), express (a message), etc. by means of flashlights.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > signalling > visual signalling > luminous signals > [verb (transitive)] > signal (something) by flashing light
flash1789
twinkle1899
wink1918
1918 Glasgow Herald 22 Nov. 5 Their flagship's great..eye of flame winking out a message.
1919 Glasgow Herald 21 Apr. 7 H.M.S. Glory..winked us welcome from the mast-head.
Derivatives
winking adj. with the eyes shut (or blindfolded).
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > not seeing or preventing from seeing > [adjective] > blindfolded
blindwharvedc1320
yblynded1387
winking1390
blindfold1483
siled1567
amaskeda1571
blindfolded1579
hoodwink1580
veiled1602
andabatarian1624
muffled?1630
hoodwinked1640
hooded1652
the world > life > the body > external parts of body > head > face > eye > [adjective] > movements of eye > eyes closed
winking1390
shut-eyed1934
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis II. 189 Thoas..Whan Anthenor this Juel tok, Wynkende caste awei his lok.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Fairf. 14) l. 23462 (MED) Als wele þen saltow se wincande als wiþ opin eye.
1538 T. Elyot Dict. Addicion Andabatę, certayne men that faughte with swordes wynkynge.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry V (1623) v. ii. 302 Burg. They are then excus'd, my Lord, when they see not what they doe. King. Then good my Lord, teach your Cousin to consent winking . View more context for this quotation
Draft additions 1993
e. To convey (a message) by means of a wink of the eye.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > gesturing or gesture > other gestures > [verb (transitive)] > convey (a message) by a wink of the eye
wink1985
1985 G. Greene Tenth Man xvii. 152 He smiled with triumph and winked a secret message.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1926; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
† winkv.2
Obsolete. rare.
intransitive. To shrink, wince.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > backward movement > move backwards [verb (intransitive)] > shrink or flinch
fikec1220
wincha1250
withshontec1450
shrink1513
squitch1570
blanch1572
shruga1577
to shrink in the neck1581
wink1605
budgea1616
shy1650
shudder1668
flincha1677
wincea1748
1605 J. Sylvester tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Deuine Weekes & Wks. ii. i. 276 That boistrous Adams body did not shrinke For Northren winds, nor for the Southern winke.
1677 W. Hughes Man of Sin ii. i. 7 What a Desperate Cause is this;..Is not this meer winking to avoid a blow?
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1926; most recently modified version published online September 2020).
winkv.3
/wɪŋk/, U.S. /wɪŋk/ Originally U.S.
intransitive. To play tiddlywinks. Frequently as vbl. n. Occasionally transitive (in quot. figurative).
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > table game > tiddlywinks, etc. > [verb (intransitive)]
wink1955
tiddlywink1965
1955 V. Nabokov Lolita I. v. 26 This is all very interesting, and I daresay you see me already frothing at the mouth in a fit; but no, I am not; I am just winking happy thoughts into a little tiddle cup.
1958 Sunday Times 2 Mar. 16/3 While practising secretly, I pulled an important muscle in the second or tiddly joint of my winking finger.
1962 Boston Globe 14 Oct. 81 The Crimson tiddlers winked their way to a 23 to 12 victory over a green Purple team.
1979 Harvard Mag. May–June 38 They went to many carpet stores to find the perfect surface for winking.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1986; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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v.21605v.31955- to hold the touches
- to hold to
- to hold to bail
- to hold to farm
- to hold to one's heart
- to hold to ransom
- to hold to the peace
- to hold to wife
- to hold together
- to hold touch
- to hold true
- to hold tug
- to hold under awe
- to hold under one's abandon
- to hold under one's girdle
- to hold up
- to hold up by the chin
- to hold up oil
- to hold up one's head
- to hold up one's nose
- to hold up the parade
- to hold wag
- to hold waken
- to hold ward
- to hold way